Associate Professor Maria Dronca, MD, PhD Biochemistry Dpt, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca

Elena Predescu, MD Pediatric Psychiatry Clinic, Cluj-Napoca

Raluca Anton, psychologist Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Dpt, University „Babeş-Bolyai” Cluj-Napoca

Oxidative stress and the metabolic pathology of autism

Metabolic phenotype of an individual reflects the combined influence of endogenous and exogenous factors on genotype and provides a window through which the cumulative impact of genes and environment may be viewed. Although both genetic and environmental factors appear to be necessary, in the majority of cases neither is independently sufficient for the autistic phenotype. Chronic or systemic metabolic imbalance can leave a metabolic footprint that can be followed analytically to gain mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of autism and thereby open new windows for therapeutic intervention. Increasing evidence suggests that many autistic children may be under chronic oxidative stress. The scientific question posed in this presentation is whether the autism phenotype reflects multiple and variable susceptibility alleles that converge to create a fragile, environmentally sensitive homeostasis with diminished ability to control and resolve pro-oxidant exposures.

Efficient parenting in families with autistic children and its impact on their development

We shall discuss daily parent behaviour  towards their children affected by a pervasive developmental disorder. Moreover, the emotions they experience in relationship with their children and how they perceive their role as parents are very important in the family nucleus. We will also be focusing on dysfunctional patterns parents have so the changes are beneficial for both children and them.

Autism – Pervasive developmental disorder

Mental health, especially of child and adolescent, is currently one of the most important health problems worldwide because of the alarming increase in the incidence of mental disorders. Currently, 10-20% of youth in Europe (between 9,5-22%) have mental health problems. One child in five suffers from a developmental, emotional or behavioral problem and one in eight have a mental disorder. An important role in child and adolescent mental disorders is occupied of autism. The paper contains the theoretical basis of autism spectrum disorder with reference to the history, epidemiology, etiology (psychological theories, neurobiological and genetic bases), diagnosis, therapy and evolution.